Jefferson County School District receives $100,000 donation to launch new Vision Medical Model

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Miss. (JCSD) — The Jefferson County School District is proud to announce the receipt of a $100,000 donation to support its Health Science Program—the largest single donation in district history. This transformational gift will launch the New Vision Medical Model, a groundbreaking initiative housed within the Health Science course at the Jefferson County Career and Technical Center, designed to expand access to high-quality medical career pathways for Jefferson County students.

The New Vision Medical Model will allow high school seniors to explore careers in healthcare through strategic partnerships, a rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences. The program is being developed to ensure that students in Jefferson County have access to the same opportunities and exposure as students in larger, more resourced communities. The district plans to begin implementation in fall 2026 and is actively working with additional agencies to establish long-term partnerships that will strengthen and sustain the initiative.

This extraordinary investment was made by Mr. Walter S. Becker, a former healthcare administrator and college professor from New York, who brings extensive experience in developing rural healthcare networks and implementing primary and specialty care services in underserved communities. Mr. Becker’s distinguished career began in healthcare finance as a chief financial officer and advanced to chief executive officer, where he successfully led turnaround initiatives for three financially distressed hospitals.

After studying Jefferson County and recognizing the lack of access to healthcare resources and opportunities, Mr. Becker was moved to act. He shared that students in Jefferson County deserve the same opportunities and experiences as students in larger cities, and his commitment to that belief inspired this historic gift. Demonstrating his dedication, Mr. Becker traveled from New York to Mississippi to meet personally with Ms. Benita Hammett, Health Science instructor; Dr. Tawanna Gibson, director of Career and Technical Education; and Superintendent Dr. Adrian Hammitte. During the visit, the group reviewed program plans, and Mr. Becker formally presented the district with a $100,000 check to launch the initiative.

In a deeply meaningful gesture, Mr. Becker also presented the district with a memorial photograph of his wife, which will be proudly displayed in the Health Science classroom as a lasting symbol of love, legacy and commitment to service.

Ms. Benita Hammett, who is leading the implementation of the New Vision Medical Model, shared, “This donation allows us to dream bigger for our students. It opens doors to real medical experiences and shows our scholars that their future in healthcare is not only possible—it is within reach.”

Dr. Tawanna Gibson, director of Career and Technical Education, stated, “The New Vision Medical Model is a game-changer for our district. This investment affirms the potential of our students and strengthens our mission to prepare them for meaningful, high-demand careers.”

Superintendent Dr. Adrian Hammitte expressed profound gratitude, adding, “We are incredibly thankful for Mr. Becker’s belief in our students, our schools and our community. That someone from New York saw the promise of Jefferson County and chose to invest in our children speaks volumes. This gift will have a lasting impact on our district, our workforce and our future.”

The Jefferson County School District is honored by this historic donation and excited about the opportunities it will create for students, families and the broader community. The New Vision Medical Model stands as a testament to what is possible when vision, generosity and belief in children come together.